Secretary of State Tre Hargett urges Tennesseans to use caution when donating money to people who say they are providing aid to victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

“Tennesseans are very generous people who want to help when disasters like this occur,” Secretary Hargett said. “Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people who will try to take advantage of that generosity. Before making charitable contributions, would-be donors should try to learn as much as they can about individuals and organizations who claim to be raising money for relief efforts.”

Due to inclement weather, today's State Election Commission meeting has been canceled. Please continue to monitor this web site for weather-related changes at the Tennessee Department of State.

(Published: January 10, 2011)

Tennessee History Day Winners Advance to National Competition

(Published: April 19, 2010)

Months of research and hard work paid off April 17 for the 100 students and two teachers who won awards at the Tennessee History Day competition.

The winners are eligible to represent Tennessee at the National History Day competition, which will be held in College Park, Maryland June 13-17. The first- and second-place finishers automatically qualify for the nationals. Third-place finishers are eligible to attend if the first- or second-place finishers in their categories can’t attend.

Tennessee History Day, which was held at the Legislative Plaza, the Tennessee State Museum and the Nashville Public Library, attracted more than 200 students from across the state. The participants were all award winners from district competitions held in Memphis, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga.

Davy Crockett's marriage license returned to Jefferson County, with assistance from the State Library and Archives

(Published: April 19, 2010)

He is known in as “King of the Wild Frontier” – a frontiersman, soldier and politician who, according to legend, could wade the Mississippi River, leap the Ohio River or ride a streak of lightning.

Yet early in his life, Davy Crockett was also a jilted lover. He obtained a marriage license to wed Margaret Elder, who broke his heart by marrying someone else instead. Although the marriage never happened, the marriage license remained on file at the Jefferson County Courthouse until it was lost decades ago.

Now, thanks to the hard work and persistence of officials in Jefferson County and the Tennessee State Library and Archives in Nashville, the document has been safely returned to the Jefferson County Clerk’s vault.

"This important historical document has now been returned to its rightful place in the public domain,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett, who oversees the State Library and Archives. “I am grateful for the role our dedicated staff played in securing this item.”

State Funding Board Expects Modest Revenue Growth in the Next Fiscal Year

(Published: April 8, 2010)

With the state and national economic picture for the next 18 months still muddled, the Tennessee State Funding Board is expecting only modest growth in the state’s revenues during the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, the Funding Board expects the revenue growth rates to be negative, ranging between -1.77 percent and -1.29 percent for total tax revenues and between
-2.31 percent to -1.78 percent for the state's general fund, the primary funding source for state government’s general operations.

State Library and Archives Staff Hits Road in Search of Civil War Memorabilia

(Published: March 29, 2010)

More than two decades after a statewide effort to copy and catalog photographs of historical significance, the staff of the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) will be hitting the state’s highways and byways again in search of Civil War memorabilia. The materials TSLA staff members find during their travels will be copied, archived and used to create a digital exhibit commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

During the 1980s, TSLA staff carried out a successful preservation project for historical photographs called “Looking Back at Tennessee.” As part of the project, TSLA staff members and a mobile photo lab visited courthouse squares around the state to copy historically significant photographs. Citizens were offered the opportunity to bring in their old photographs to have them copied and preserved by professional archivists.

"I am pleased the Tennessee Blue Book is now available online for all Tennesseans," Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. "Many schools use the Tennessee Blue Book in history and civics lessons - and this online feature will increase students' access to this valuable resource." Read More...

State Library and Archives to Host Workshop on Quilts of Tennessee

(Published: March 16, 2010)

The Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) will host the latest in a series of workshops and seminars titled, “Quilts of Tennessee: What they Can Tell Us About Our Ancestors,” April 17. The workshop will be held at the State Library and Archives building, located at 403 Seventh Avenue North, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Businesses Can Save Time, Money by Filing Reports Online with the Office of the Secretary of State

(Published: March 9, 2010)

In a difficult economy, most businesses have neither time nor money to spare. So it’s not surprising that more and more companies that do business in Tennessee are choosing to file their registration paperwork and annual reports online with the Office of the Secretary of State.

About 185,000 businesses and other corporate entities are expected to file annual reports in Tennessee this year. Since most of them close out their books at the end of each calendar year, their annual reports are due April 1.

The office’s Division of Business Services switched to a “true” online filing system last fall. For about a year prior to the transition, companies could transmit their reports via the Internet, but that information still had to be manually keyed into the old computer system by employees.

Tennessee History Day Can Lead to a Better Future for Our Young People

(Published: March 8, 2010)

(This column was originally published in The Jackson Sun Feb. 21, 2010.)

Those of us who have lived in Tennessee for a long time may think we know our state pretty well. Even so, there are a few facts about our state’s past that might escape the attention of all but the most avid history buffs.

For example, did you know that civil rights activists Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks both attended the Highlander Folk School near Monteagle?

Or that three other cities other than Nashville have served as the state capital, including Kingston, which held that distinction for a single day?

Local, state and federal officials attended the groundbreaking for Coulter Grove Intermediate School Friday. After years of planning, construction of the new school in Maryville officially began moving forward this week, thanks to a new funding mechanism authorized by the state legislature last year.

The attendees included Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett; Daniel Tangherlini, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Assistant Secretary for Management, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Performance Officer; and numerous other officials representing Maryville and Blount County.

In celebration of Black History Month, the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) is highlighting two collections relating to the state’s African-American history that have been added within the last year.

Last fall, TSLA added a collection called Guide to African-American Genealogy-Related Documents Prior to 1865, which includes a large selection of Supreme Court cases, state acts from 1796 through 1850, legislative petitions from 1799 to 1861, church records, correspondence, diaries, memoirs and other documents.

TSLA also added a new collection, Reconstruction and the African-American Legacy in Tennessee, to the Tennessee Virtual Archive (TeVA) within the last year. That collection, which includes photographs, scrapbooks and other images, can be found on the web at: http://teva.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm4/reconstruction.php

The Tennessee Library Association has passed a resolution honoring State Librarian and Archivist Jeanne Sugg for dedicating her career to improving libraries throughout the state.

Kevin Reynolds, the library association’s president, said: “Jeanne has been a strong advocate for our libraries and her unflagging efforts over many years have resulted not only in libraries in Tennessee becoming better prepared to assist library users, but also have resulted in library users more easily gaining the critical services and resources that libraries provide. Furthermore, under Jeanne’s leadership, we have witnessed increased access to important archival resources, thanks to digitization and other efforts.”

Sugg will retire Jan. 29, capping a 20-year career with the Tennessee State Library and Archives. She has served as the State Library and Archives director since 2005.

Secretary of State Tre Hargett is urging people to be cautious and make wise decisions when considering donations to help the Haitian relief efforts.

“Whenever there is a tragedy of this magnitude, people want to do what they can to help,” Secretary Hargett said. “Many people want to contribute money to the relief efforts. Unfortunately, there are scam artists out there who will try to take advantage of that spirit of generosity.”

Secretary Hargett Appoints Charles Sherrill as State Librarian and Archivist

(Published: January 14, 2010)

Charles Sherrill, a Middle Tennessean with 25 years of experience as a library administrator, will begin his new job as State Librarian and Archivist Feb. 5, Secretary of State Tre Hargett announced this week.

The State Librarian and Archivist directs operations at the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA), the agency that collects, stores and displays state documents and records. The State Library and Archives also operates the Tennessee Regional Library System, provides training and support for other public libraries throughout the state and oversees the Tennessee Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, which offers free library services to people with disabilities.

“I am very pleased to have someone with Mr. Sherrill’s background and skills in this esteemed position,” Secretary Hargett said. “Our goal is to increase the awareness of the great programs available to Tennesseans through the State Library and Archives. Our goal is to extend our outreach beyond our downtown Nashville location and I know Mr. Sherrill will provide excellent leadership and vision not only to TSLA, but also to libraries throughout our great state. "

A Portland man faces possible prison time and at least $40,000 in civil penalties after fraudulently representing himself as a Robertson County deputy sheriff who was raising money for a charitable publication to be produced by the sheriff’s office.

Branden L. Fitzgerald, 19, was arrested and notified of the civil penalties against him this week following cooperative efforts involving the state’s Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming and the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation found that Fitzgerald did business under the name Local Youth Prevention Services.

Tennessee Constitutional Officers' Staffs Make Contributions to Active Military Personnel and Veterans

(Published: December 23, 2009)

A group of Tennessee military personnel stationed in Iraq will be able to spend more time talking with their families and friends, thanks to contributions made by employees who work for the state’s three constitutional officers.

Employees of state Treasurer David H. Lillard Jr., Secretary of State Tre Hargett and Comptroller Justin P. Wilson donated 360 AT&T pre-paid phone cards with a total of 39,000 minutes of calling time. Those cards will be sent to soldiers in the 230th Air Cavalry Squadron, which is based in Smyrna and includes soldiers from Smyrna, Jackson and Louisville, Tennessee.

In addition to supplying phone cards to active military, employees from the three constitutional offices participated in helping veterans here in the Nashville area. The staff in the constitutional offices raised $2,053 for Operation Stand Down Nashville, Inc., an organization that provides training and support for veterans, with a special emphasis on veterans who are homeless.

(This column was originally published in the Johnson City Press Dec. 13, 2009.)

The three wise men are among the Christmas season’s best-known icons. However, when it comes to charitable contributions, some of us don’t always make wise decisions.

The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is traditionally one of the busiest fundraising periods of the year for many charities. Some collect as much as half of their total contributions during the holidays. That isn’t too surprising since many of us, filled with the holiday spirit, give some of our money to worthy causes at this time of year.

The problem, though, is some charities aren’t quite as charitable as they lead people to believe. In some cases, only a small portion (or none) of the money they receive is actually spent on their charitable missions.

And so, just as people are trying to make the most of their purchases during these economic hard times, it is important to make sure the dollars you donate to charity are good investments as well.

(This column was originally published in The (Nashville) Tennessean Nov. 30, 2009.)

By Tre Hargett

Many economists believe we are headed for a jobless recovery — that is, one in which many sectors of the economy start to show improvement while there is little or no gain in job growth.

If you are out of work, that doesn’t sound like much of a recovery at all. Unfortunately, far too many Tennesseans are facing that situation.

The state’s unemployment rate was 10.5 percent in October, 0.3 percentage points above the national average. The rate may rise even higher following the closing of the General Motors plant in Spring Hill Nov. 25, which idled another 2,000 workers.

In difficult financial times, every dollar counts. Even during the season of giving.

During this holiday shopping season, many people will make purchasing decisions that are influenced by “cause-related marketing.”

In simplest terms, cause-related marketing arrangements are those in which for-profit companies team up with nonprofit organizations to sell products and services while simultaneously raising money for charity.

On its surface, it sounds like a great concept. Why wouldn’t you want to buy a product from a company that is promising to donate a percentage of the sales proceeds to your favorite charity, when you’re planning to buy that product anyway? Unfortunately, some of these arrangements aren’t exactly what they seem.

Hargett Working To Make Sure Graveyard Voting In Tennessee No Longer Exists

(Published: November 20, 2009)

Tennessee’s Division of Elections has identified at least 9,800 deceased voters who should be removed from voter registration rolls across the state.
Tennessee drew unwanted national publicity in 2005 when it was discovered someone had illegally voted in a state Senate race by using names of the deceased.
When Secretary of State Tre Hargett appointed Mark Goins as Coordinator of Elections earlier this year, they set a goal to remove deceased voters from the voter rolls.

Tennessee Myth and Legend Exhibit Showcases Some of the Volunteer State's Greatest Oddities

(Published: November 17, 2009)

If you have lived in this state for a while, you have probably heard stories about famous Tennesseans such as Casey Jones, Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone. But have you ever heard about the time it rained blood or about the woman who lived to be 149 years old?

The Tennessee Myth and Legend exhibit, located at the Tennessee State Library and Archives Building in downtown Nashville, touches all of these topics as well as ghosts, the Bell Witch, Tommy Knockers, opossums, giant catfish, falling stars, Elvis, Jack Daniels and Jesse James.

Tennessee Local Development Authority Approves Water Improvement Project Loans for Henderson County and Crossville

(Published: November 12, 2009)

The Tennessee Local Development Authority approved loans for two water treatment improvement projects today – one located in Henderson County and the other in the City of Crossville. Read More...

Tennessee Blue Book to be Dedicated to Fallen Veterans

(Published: November 10, 2009)

As a tribute to our state’s military veterans, the Tennessee Department of State plans to dedicate the 2009-2010 Tennessee Blue Book to all the Tennesseans who have been killed in combat during the War on Terror.

“Tennessee has long been known for its spirit of volunteerism,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “I think dedicating the Blue Book to the men and women who have given their lives in combat is a fitting tribute to that spirit of volunteerism.”

More than 14,000 Tennesseans are serving in military units involved in the War on Terror, including about 84 percent from the state’s National Guard units.

Through the end of October, 108 Tennesseans have lost their lives during the conflict.

The Blue Book, published every two years, provides a wealth of information about Tennessee state government and history. It is used throughout the state as a reference book by schoolchildren, educators, archivists, journalists, government officials and other citizens. The next edition of the Blue Book is scheduled for release in January 2010.

Communities throughout Tennessee will receive financing to build or repair schools as a result of the Tennessee State School Bond Authority’s (TSSBA) action

(Published: November 5, 2009)

Communities throughout Tennessee will receive financing to build or repair schools as a result of the Tennessee State School Bond Authority’s (TSSBA) action today. The TSSBA finalized plans to sell up to $184 million worth of Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCBs) as part of a program created by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The bonds are tax credit bonds that provide a federal tax credit to the investor on a quarterly basis. The bonds may also pay a supplemental coupon to the bondholders on a quarterly basis.

Tennessee Local Development Authority Approves $37 Million for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects

(Posted 10/26/2009)

The Tennessee Local Development Authority (TLDA) approved nearly $37 million worth of loans today for communities throughout the state to build or upgrade drinking water and wastewater systems. Of that total, more than $14 million will not have to be repaid by the communities receiving loans because of a principal forgiveness program. Read More...

Nine archivists from around Tennessee were presented with certificates today from Secretary of State Tre Hargett in recognition of their achievements in becoming certified archive managers. Read More...

Secretary of State on Twitter

(Posted 10/9/2009)

Starting today, news and information about the Tennessee Department of State will be available to Twitter users. Read More...

Division of Elections Hosts Meeting Regarding Optical Scan Voting

(Posted 10/9/2009)

A group of election officials from across Tennessee held detailed discussions this week about how to properly conduct elections using paper ballots. Read More...

State Building Commission Approves West Tennessee Megasite Project

(Posted 9/30/2009)

Citing its potential to bring jobs to an economically-struggling area, the State Building Commission Executive Subcommittee gave its approval Tuesday to the West Tennessee “megasite” project. Read More...

More Than $37 Million in Loans Approved By the Tennessee Local Development Authority for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects

(Posted 9/3/2009)

The Tennessee Local Development Authority (TLDA) today approved nine communities and two utility districts in Tennessee to receive a total of more than $37 million in low-interest loans for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Of that amount, $15 million is scheduled for principal forgiveness on debt, which will result in a financial windfall for the communities with the most urgent needs. Read More...

Tennessee Electronic Library Makes ‘Back to School’ Easier To Handle – For Students and Teachers

(Posted 8/10/2009)

After a nice summer vacation, some students may dread the thought of heading back to school. But the Tennessee Electronic Library can help make the transition easier.Read More...

Department of State Offers Charitable Organizations Option to Register Online

(Posted 6/23/2009)

As the end of June approaches, many of the state’s charitable organizations will be renewing their registration with the Tennessee Department of State. Unlike years past, they now have the option of doing so online. Currently 5,271 charities are registered with the state.

“I believe many organizations will find online filing more convenient,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “One of my goals is to make the Department of State as user-friendly as possible to the citizens who interact with all of our divisions.” Read More...

Secretary of State Tre Hargett presented Jimmy Wallace, a longtime election commissioner, legislator and community activist, with the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Medallion Award.

The presentation took place during the Madison County Board of Commissioners meeting in Jackson June 15.

Mr. Wallace was recently elected chair of the Tennessee State Election Commission, where he has served as a member since 1995. As chair, Mr. Wallace will work closely with Tennessee Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins toward the common goal of ensuring that the state’s elections are fairly and properly conducted. Read More...

Blackburn, Younce Chosen for State Election Commission

(Posted 6/11/2009)

Two experienced county election officials have joined the seven-member Tennessee State Election Commission. Read More...

Group of "Legislators" receives Medallion Award

(Posted 6/11/2009)

Secretary
Hargett presented a prestigious Medallion Award to representatives of
the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature June 9. Read More...

Secretary of State Tre Hargett (right) presents a Medallion Award to Gian Gozum, the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature's Secretary of State.

Secretary of State Tre Hargett gathers with current members of the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature and TISL alumni after the Medallion Awards ceremony.

New Election Administrators Receive Training

(Posted 6/7/2009)

A
group of newly-appointed county election administrators assembled for a
daylong training in Roane County this week. The Department of State’s
Division of Elections held the training session at the Community Center
in Kingston. Twenty administrators and one election commissioner
attended the session, most of whom remained in Roane County the
following day to observe the city elections held there. During the
seminar, the administrators got a crash course in many of the issues
involved in conducting an election, including various reporting
requirements, ballot deadlines, maintenance of voter records, polling
location logistics and compliance with the Help America Vote Act.

“I am impressed with the comprehensive training
program our Division of Elections is implementing,” Secretary of State
Tre Hargett said. "This training is going to result in our
administrators reaching their full potential as election officials.
Tennesseans can be proud of their hard work and dedication."

Mark Goins, the state’s supervisor of elections,
added: “As a group, they’re going to do just fine. And, of course, the
state is going to continue to offer them advice and guidance on an
as-needed basis. Also, newly-appointed Roane County Administrator
Charles Holiway and his staff conducted a smooth election.”

Jimmy Wallace Elected Chair of Tennessee State Election Commission

(Posted 5/27/2009)

On
May 19, 2009, Jimmy Wallace of Beech Bluff, Tennessee was elected to
chair the Tennessee State Election Commission. The term of office will
be from June 1, 2009 through May 31, 2010. Mr. Wallace has been a
member of the State Election Commission since May 1995.

The State Election Commission is composed of five
members. These individuals are elected for a term of four years. This
is the only commission in Tennessee state government which is elected
wholly by the General Assembly. Read More.

Secretary Of State Hargett Announces Grants To Help Job Hunters

(Posted 5/11/2009)

A
half dozen libraries across Tennessee are receiving grant funds
administered through the Secretary of State’s office for programs that
help job-seekers find work.

Libraries in Ardmore,
Rogersville, Johnson City, Decatur, Union City and Franklin will each
receive $7,500 to set up job training centers. These centers will
provide materials and professional services to teach new skills to
displaced workers, provide information about career choices and offer
resume writing and job application assistance.

With
the state’s unemployment rate estimated at 9.6 percent in March,
Secretary of State Tre Hargett said there are many communities that
could benefit from job training and assistance programs like those
financed through the grant funding. Read More...

The web site has previously offered the RSS feed for rules and regulations that have recently gone into effect. However, the new service allows citizens to stay updated on rules that have been filed with the Secretary. This can be helpful, for example, to give business owners advance notice of pending rules. Tennesseans will now be able to better plan to make sure they're doing what is necessary to remain in compliance to the regulations affecting their industries.

Secretary of State Urges Tennesseans to Exercise
Caution When Giving for Tornado Relief

(Posted 4/13/2009)

Secretary of State Tre Hargett warns Tennesseans to be wary of fundraising scams involving relief efforts for tornado victims, and urges donors to exercise caution when giving to any type of relief effort. Read more...

2009 – 2011 County Election Commissioners

(Posted 4/7/2009)

Persons appointed to the County Election Commission shall qualify within twenty (20) days after their April 6, 2009 appointment date by filing their Oath of Office with the State Election Commission.

Secretary of State Tre Hargett announced today that he will re-appoint Jeanne Sugg as State Librarian and Archivist. The State Librarian and Archivist is the Chief Administrator for the Library and Archives Division of the Tennessee State Department. The division collects and preserves books and records of historical, documentary and reference value, as well as encourages and promotes library and archives development throughout the state. read more...

Stanford Financial Group Questions

(Posted 3/2/2009)

Recently, our office has received calls and e-mails regarding the SEC's recent actions affecting shareholders of investments held by Stanford Financial Group. In Tennessee, the Department of State does not have jurisdiction regarding these investments. These securities are within the scope of the Securities Division of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Shown below is a link provided for the use of Stanford investors.

Secretary of State Tre Hargett Appoints Mark Goins
Coordinator of Elections for Tennessee

(Posted 2/11/2009)

Secretary of State Tre Hargett announced today he has appointed current State Election Commissioner Mark Goins as Coordinator of Elections for the State of Tennessee. In accordance with Tennessee Annotated Code statute 2-11-201 (b) Mark Goins will now be the chief administrative election officer for the state. read more...